Saturday 13 January 2024 - Do it. Do it Now.

Welcome to I, Punter, in which the author muses on life and recommends a weekly bet in reward for his reader’s patience.

Photo by Brian Jones on Unsplash

I am doing Dry January. In fairness, prior to this I have done Dry January February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December so it’s not much of a struggle if I’m being honest. But if you are doing Dry January and finding it tougher going than me, take heart from the fact that you are almost halfway through the month. Or just have a drink, go on, you know you want to.

Mansfield Town are bottlers. Last Saturday they had the opportunity to go top of League Two but the Stags were 0-1 down in under two minutes at which point the ref may as well have blown for full time (they get another crack at it this weekend). Mansfield’s next three games are against pretty poor sides - two of which currently sit bottom (Sutton United) and second bottom (Forest Green Rovers) of League Two - and if they don’t walk away with at least six points that will be confirmation that their annual bottling of the season is under way. Mansfield’s loss was also my loss as they were the first leg of last week’s “hypothetical” £20 win double; the second leg was Serie A’s finest Juventus who got the job done despite also conceding an early goal (final score 1-2). Ale’ ale’ ale’ oh!

Crewe Alexandra (10/11) were the poopers at Mansfield’s party last Saturday and this week they are at home to a far less intimidating side, Swindon Town, who have not won away from the County Ground since November. If Crewe win on Saturday that will be three on the bounce and they will be serious contenders for promotion once more. Wrexham (17/20) have been almost unbeatable at home this season scoring forty-one goals in thirteen games - wow. Their visitors on Saturday are AFC Wimbledon who are no mugs and this is reflected in Wrexham's price. It is surely only a matter of time before the Red Dragons take their turn at the top of League Two and until they get there they will be trying. Both games kick off on Saturday at three pm. You never know.

My “hypothetical” £20 win double on Crewe Alexandra and Wrexham currently returns £70.64 with Sky Bet at combined odds of 2.53/1 for a profit of £50.64 after deduction of stake.

I hope to see you next time.

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